Signs You Might Have a Gluten-Related Disorder: When to Get Tested
Sometimes it starts quietly, with a bloated stomach after every meal, constant tiredness that coffee can’t fix, or skin rashes that seem to appear out of nowhere. You might brush it off, blaming stress or a “sensitive stomach.” However, when these discomforts start recurring, your body may be telling you something it can no longer hide: that gluten might be the problem.
Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, can trigger serious reactions in some people. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, even a small bite of bread can set off a chain of symptoms that affect not just the stomach, but the entire body. The tricky part is that these signs don’t always look connected, which is why many people go years before realizing what’s really wrong.
If you’ve been feeling “off” for a while and can’t put your finger on why, here are the signs worth paying attention to and when to talk to your doctor about testing.
1. Your Digestive System Feels Out of Balance
Many gluten-related disorders begin in the gut. You might experience:
- Bloating and gas
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Weight loss
If your stomach feels like it’s always in a tug-of-war, it could be more than just indigestion. In people with celiac disease, gluten triggers the immune system to attack the small intestine, making it harder to absorb nutrients. Over time, this can lead to fatigue, weight loss, and vitamin deficiencies.
2. You’re Always Tired — and Don’t Know Why
If no amount of rest helps, your body might not be absorbing enough iron or B vitamins because of intestinal damage. This can cause anemia, which leaves you drained and dizzy. Many people also describe “brain fog”, that cloudy, hard-to-focus feeling that makes even small tasks harder. It’s not just in your head; it’s your body struggling to keep up.
3. Headaches That Keep Coming Back
Recurring headaches or migraines can also be linked to gluten intolerance. They might show up alongside other symptoms or entirely on their own. If you’ve ruled out common causes like dehydration or stress but still find yourself reaching for painkillers often, gluten could be a hidden trigger.
4. Mood Swings and Low Energy
It’s surprising how closely the gut and brain are connected. When your gut is inflamed, your mood often suffers too. Anxiety, irritability, or unexplained sadness are common in people with untreated celiac disease. For some, removing gluten (under medical guidance) brings back balance not just in the body, but in how they feel emotionally.
5. Your Skin Is Trying to Tell You Something
Your skin often shows what’s happening inside. A rash called dermatitis herpetiformis itchy bumps or blisters, usually on the elbows, knees, or scalp, is one of the clearest signs of gluten intolerance. Some people have this rash without any stomach issues at all, making it an important clue doctors look for.
6. Aches in Joints or Weak Bones
Unexplained joint pain or fragile bones can also point toward gluten problems. If your body can’t absorb enough calcium or vitamin D, bones become weaker over time. Some people also experience stiffness or swelling in their joints that mimics arthritis.
7. Signs to Watch in Children
In kids, gluten-related disorders can show up as poor growth, constant stomachaches, irritability, or delayed puberty. Because their bodies are still developing, missing nutrients can affect both their physical growth and learning. Early testing can make a big difference.
When It’s Time to Get Tested?
If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s worth checking in with your doctor. You should get tested if:
- You’ve had ongoing digestive issues or fatigue that doesn’t improve.
- Someone in your family (parent, sibling, or child) has celiac disease.
- You have another autoimmune condition like thyroid disease or type 1 diabetes.
Important: Don’t stop eating gluten before testing. The blood tests used to detect celiac disease only work if gluten is still in your diet. Your doctor may run specific antibody tests, and if needed, a small intestine biopsy can confirm the diagnosis. Testing might feel intimidating, but it’s the only way to know for sure and to start feeling better.
Listen to Your Body — It Knows Before You Do
Your body is always sending signals. Some are loud, like pain or bloating. Others are quiet a dull ache, a low mood, a foggy head. These small signs often carry big messages. Ignoring them only delays the relief you deserve.
Getting tested doesn’t just bring answers; it brings back control. You don’t have to live in constant discomfort or confusion. Sometimes, understanding what your body’s been trying to tell you is the first real step toward healing.